Stanford has named former NFL assistant Lance Taylor as its new assistant coach for running backs in an announcement made Wednesday morning.
Taylor comes to Stanford from the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League, where he spent the 2013 season as assistant wide receivers coach, working directly with Ricky Proehl.
“Lance is a bright, energetic coach that has the experience of working with multiple positions at the highest level of football,” said Stanford head coach David Shaw said. “Our running backs will benefit from his passionate and detailed approach to the game.”
Prior to his time at Carolina, Taylor spent three seasons with the New York Jets from 2010-12, serving as a coaching intern in 2010, offensive quality control coach in 2011 and assistant tight ends/quality control coach in 2012. During Taylor’s time with the Jets’ tight ends, Jeff Cumberland (29) and Dustin Keller (28) ranked second and third on the team, respectively, in receptions.
Before his stint in the NFL, Taylor coached wide receivers at Appalachian State in 2009. Under his tutelage, the Mountaineers set school records with 284 receptions and 3,621 receiving yards. The team finished 11-3, won the Southern Conference title and advanced to the Football Championship Subdivision semifinals.
He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for Nick Saban at his alma mater, Alabama, from 2007-08.
A walk-on at Alabama before earning a scholarship, Taylor played in 38 consecutive games at wide receiver from 1999-2003 for the Crimson Tide. As a senior, he served as a special teams captain for (then) coach Mike Shula.
By Stanford Athletics
By Stanford Athletics
By Stanford Athletics